Rocketry (Spaced Out)

Rockets in the Spaced Out DLC are multi-component constructs used to send duplicants and cargo to different asteroids.

Construction
In order for a rocket to function, it requires at least an engine and a command module. Additional modules can be added such as cargo modules to transport goods and rover modules to explore unexplored planetoids.

There is no specific order modules need to be in, and the order can be changed after construction without the need to deconstruct the module.

Engines
Engines have a limit to the height of rockets they can hold. Each module has a burdening factor that weighs down the rocket, thus slowing space exploration. Rocket speed = Engine Power divided by total Burden. Neither Burden nor weight affect rocket range, only the amount of burnable fuel available.

Engines tend to produce a large amount of heat during takeoff, so insulating the launch platform is recommended.

Fuel tanks and Oxidizers
Sugar, Petroleum and Hydrogen Rockets require oxidizer at a ratio of 1:1 per kg of fuel when using Fertilizer, 1:2 when using Oxylite, and 1:4 when using Liquid Oxygen.

Cargo Module
Cargo modules carry goods to other asteroids.

Each module requires an external port that corresponds to their specific resource, which is unlocked via the same research as the module itself. This port must be in direct contact with either the rocket platform or another port.

Utility
Utility modules are used to better explore and colonize asteroids or make rockets command modules livable longer.

Command Module and Nosecones
Command modules are built at the top of the rocket and a required for the rocket to function. Only one command module can be present at any rocket.

Rocket Interior
Solo Spacefarer Nosecone functions as both the command module and nosecone. It has a 2x1 rectangle stacked on top of a 4x2 stacked on top of a 6x3 of empty space inside, totaling 28 empty tiles.

Spacefarer Module functions similarly to the Solo Spacefarer Nosecone, however the corresponding Basic Nosecone must be built on top. It has a 10x8 interior.

Rocket Launch
In order for the rocket to launch, the command module checks for various conditions:


 * A destination must be set.
 * The rocket cannot have any pending constructions.
 * A rocket must have an engine, and nosecone (Command Module is included, but is a given).
 * A rocket must have a fuel tank (most engines have a fuel tank included).
 * Cannot be over rocket engine height limit.
 * The rocket must be sufficiently fueled to reach the destination (The rocket can be launched if there is not enough fuel to return).
 * Cargo transfer must be complete (Rocket can still be launched with partially filled cargo).
 * Qualifying crew must be onboard (Crew is set through the pop-up)(No other passengers can be aboard).

Heat and Exhaust From Launch
All rockets project heat onto any gas from the bottom of the engine; the area of projection is a crude inverted parabola, as wide as the Rocket Platform and about ten tiles deep.

Any gases within these tiles will be superheated, including any gases emitted by the engines themselves; the exact amount of heat is unclear, though the following has been observed:


 * Carbon Dioxide emissions from Petroleum-using engines can reach above 1500 degrees, and their density can reach 6.0 kg per tile.
 * Squares with 80 to 100 g of Oxygen (made thin by being vented into regions next to the void of space) can reach more than 2000 degrees, thus suggesting that the heat projection is a flat heat output instead of heat transfer from a hotter object.

Rocket Landing
A rocket cannot land on an asteroid that does not contain a rocket platform. Sending a duplicant to the surface of the asteroid is required before the rocket can land.

In the event that multiple rocket platforms are constructed on the asteroid the rocket will default to selecting one randomly to land at. Alternatively, the player can select a specific platform to land on.

Heat and Exhaust from Landing
Rockets that are landing also project heat and emit exhaust gases, like they do when they launch (as described above).